Choosing the right solar installer matters more than most people realise. The best quality panels and components mean nothing if they’re installed poorly. A good installer sets you up for 25 years of reliable energy generation. A bad one leaves you with a system that underperforms and warranty headaches.
The problem is finding trustworthy installers in Northern Ireland isn’t straightforward. You can’t always tell from a website whether someone’s genuinely qualified or just trying to make a quick sale.
This guide shows you exactly what to look for so you can identify installers worth working with.
Why the Installer Matters as Much as the Equipment
Most homeowners focus entirely on panels and cost. That’s a mistake.
Here’s the reality: installation quality directly impacts system performance. Poor installation can reduce output by 5% to 15% compared to a properly installed identical system. Over 25 years, that’s the difference between £3,000 and £5,000 in lost savings.
Beyond performance, a bad installer creates ongoing problems. Electrical work done wrong creates fire risks. Roof penetrations sealed poorly lead to leaks. Warranties become a nightmare when you need them because the installer cut corners and disputes the claim.
A good installer, on the other hand, handles the complexity so you don’t have to. They manage building regulations, coordinate with your electricity supplier, sort out any roof issues, and stand behind their work.
What Every Legitimate Solar Installer Should Have
Before you even consider a quote, check whether an installer has these basics in place.
MCS Certification
MCS stands for Microgeneration Certification Scheme. This is non-negotiable.
MCS certification means the installer meets strict quality and competency standards. It’s required if you want to be eligible for government support schemes, and it demonstrates they’ve been vetted by an independent body.
Check the MCS register at www.microgenerationcertification.org. Search for the company name and verify it’s current and active. If they’re not on the register, move on to someone else.
NICEIC or Trustmark Accreditation
NICEIC is the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. Trustmark is similar – both verify that electrical work meets safety standards.
This matters because solar installation involves significant electrical work. You want someone who’s been independently checked and meets Building Regulations.
When you get quotes, ask each installer which accreditation they hold. Any professional installer will have one of these and be proud to show it.
Public Liability and Damage Insurance
Before any work begins on your roof, the installer should have public liability insurance and damage insurance. This protects you if they cause an accident or damage your property.
Ask to see their insurance certificate. It should be current and cover solar installations specifically. If they’re vague about insurance or can’t produce a certificate, that’s a massive red flag.
Proper Qualifications and Training
Solar installation requires specific skills. Roofers need roofing experience. Electricians need to understand solar systems. Not all electricians have solar experience and not all roofers do roofing work safely.
Ask each installer about their team’s specific qualifications. How long have their installers been doing solar work? Do they employ permanent staff or subcontractors? Employed staff usually means better quality control.
How to Find Quality Installers
Once you know what to look for, where do you actually find good installers?
The MCS Register
Start by searching www.microgenerationcertification.org. This shows all certified installers in your area. You can filter by postcode and see who’s operating near you.
This is a good starting point but doesn’t tell you everything. You’ll need to do additional checks on each one.
Local Reputation and Reviews
Google reviews matter. So do Trustpilot, Which?, and local recommendations.
Look for patterns in reviews rather than obsessing over one or two negative comments. Every business gets a bad review occasionally. What you’re looking for is consistent themes.
Read reviews that mention:
- Whether the installer showed up on time
- If the work quality was good
- Whether they were responsive when problems arose
- If the final product matched what was quoted
Red flags in reviews include complaints about poor communication, damage to the property not fixed, or systems that underperform significantly.
How Long They’ve Been Operating
A business that’s been installing solar for 5+ years has survived and presumably satisfied enough customers to stay in business. They’ve handled different roof types and dealt with problems that come up.
Brand new installers (under 2 years) carry more risk. They might have good intentions but haven’t faced enough real-world situations yet.
When you call, ask how long they’ve been in business. If they’re vague about it, that’s telling.
Local Presence
Does the installer have a local office or phone number? Can you visit them or meet someone in person?
Companies operating entirely online with no local presence are riskier. If something goes wrong or you need support, who do you actually contact?
Good installers usually have a local base or at least someone local who can respond to issues.
Red Flags in Solar Installers
Watch out for these warning signs.
Pressure to Decide Quickly
“This offer expires today” or “We only have availability this week” is usually pressure tactics rather than genuine constraints.
Quality installers can fit you in within a reasonable timeframe but don’t need to rush you into a decision. Solar isn’t an impulse purchase and no legitimate company pushes you into one.
No Clear Breakdown of Costs
If a quote just shows a total price without itemising what you’re paying for, that’s a problem. You can’t properly compare quotes or understand where your money’s going.
A proper quote should show panel costs, inverter costs, installation labour, electrical work, roof assessment, and any other charges separately. If they won’t provide this breakdown, ask why.
Unrealistic Performance Promises
Some installers claim your system will save you £X per year and pay for itself in 5 years. These are rarely accurate and sometimes deliberately misleading.
Actual savings depend on your specific roof orientation, shading, electricity usage, and how much you generate. Good installers use software to calculate realistic estimates based on your property. They won’t guarantee savings – they’ll estimate them.
Not MCS Certified
As mentioned, this is non-negotiable. If they’re not on the MCS register, don’t use them.
No Insurance Documentation
If they can’t produce public liability and damage insurance certificates, move on. You’re exposed to risk without it.
Unwilling to Provide References
A good installer should be able to give you contact details for recent customers you can call. If they’re reluctant to do this, ask why.
Questions to Ask Every Installer
When you get a quote, ask these questions to assess their professionalism and expertise.
“How long have you been installing solar systems?”
Seasoned installers have seen different roof types, dealt with complications, and learned what works. They can explain their experience confidently.
“Can you walk me through your installation process?”
A professional installer can explain step-by-step what happens on installation day. They should mention roof assessment, mounting system setup, electrical connections, testing, and commissioning. If they’re vague, that’s a warning sign.
“What happens if something goes wrong after installation?”
You want to know their support process. How do you contact them if there’s a problem? What’s their response time? Do they come back out if there are issues? Can you reach someone locally?
“What guarantees do you provide on workmanship?”
Beyond the panel and inverter warranties, what do they guarantee on their installation? Most reputable installers offer 10-year workmanship warranties. If they offer less, ask why.
“Do you handle all the paperwork with my electricity supplier and building regulations?”
Good installers manage this complexity for you. They’ll register your system with your supplier, sort out building regulations approval, and handle the paperwork. If you have to do this yourself, that’s unusual and suggests a less professional operation.
“Can I see your MCS, NICEIC, and insurance documentation?”
Any professional company will have this ready to show. If they’re reluctant or it’s not current, that’s a problem.
“What happens to the warranty if your company goes out of business?”
This is actually important. Some installers back their warranties with insurance so you’re protected even if they disappear. Ask about this specifically.
Different Types of Solar Installers
Not all installers are the same. You’ll encounter different business models.
Local Single-Operator or Small Team
These are often experienced tradespeople who’ve added solar to their services. Might be electricians or roofers who’ve trained in solar.
Pros: Usually highly skilled in their area, local accountability, often responsive.
Cons: Limited availability, might have gaps in knowledge outside their core trade, less buying power so costs might be higher.
Regional Installation Companies
Established companies operating across Northern Ireland with multiple teams.
Pros: Usually well-organised, faster installation scheduling, better buying power (lower costs), proper support structure.
Cons: Less personal service, potential communication delays, might cut corners if they’re chasing volume.
National Franchises or Chains
Large companies with franchises or branches across the UK.
Pros: Established brand, professional systems, strong support and warranty backing.
Cons: Can be expensive, less personalised service, sometimes quality varies between branches.
Direct Manufacturer Installers
Some panel manufacturers have approved installer networks.
Pros: Know their products intimately, good warranty support.
Cons: Usually higher costs, limited choice of components, tied to specific products.
All of these can be good if they meet the criteria we’ve discussed. What matters is the individual installer’s credentials and reputation, not their company size.
Getting Quotes That Are Actually Comparable
Once you’ve identified a few quality installers, get quotes from them.
To make quotes comparable, tell each installer:
- Exactly what you want (system size in kW)
- Your roof type and orientation
- Any shading issues
- Whether you want battery storage
Then compare whether they’re quoting the same components. Different quotes shouldn’t vary wildly if they’re specifying identical panels, inverters, and work scope.
If one quote is significantly cheaper than others for identical specs, ask why. Sometimes it’s legitimate buying power advantages. Sometimes it means they’re using lower-tier components or cutting corners.
Working with Your Chosen Installer
Once you’ve chosen an installer, here’s what to expect.
Before Installation
You should receive:
- A detailed site survey with photos
- A complete quote with breakdown of costs
- A timeline for installation
- Information about any prep work you need to do
- Clarity on warranty coverage
During Installation
A typical residential installation takes 1 to 2 days. The installer should:
- Protect your property (drop cloths, etc.)
- Work safely (proper scaffolding, etc.)
- Explain what they’re doing
- Clean up at the end of each day
After Installation
The installer should:
- Test the system thoroughly
- Show you how monitoring works
- Explain your warranty and how to make claims
- Register your system with your electricity supplier
- Provide all documentation
Ongoing Support
A good installer remains available if you have questions or problems. You should know how to contact them and have reasonable response times.
What to Do If You Have Issues
Despite best efforts, sometimes problems arise.
If something goes wrong after installation, contact your installer first. Document any issues with photos and notes on dates and times.
If they’re unresponsive or unwilling to help:
- Check your contract and warranty terms
- Escalate to their management
- Contact MCS if they’re certified (they can investigate complaints)
- Consider involving Consumer Rights bodies
Most quality installers sort problems quickly because warranty claims and unhappy customers damage their reputation.
Getting Started
You now know what makes a good solar installer. The next step is finding one to work with.
Rather than contacting multiple installers individually and coordinating everything yourself, let us handle it. We work exclusively with MCS-certified installers across Northern Ireland who meet the quality standards outlined in this guide.
Fill out the form below to get connected with installers in your area who’ve already been vetted. We’ll match you with professionals worth working with.